In And Around Hannibal: August 11, 2012

Well today (Tuesday last) I find myself in Millinocket, Maine. That’s not downeast it’s up in the back woods. This is logging country. Perhaps you’ve seen the television series on loggers – well Millinocket is one of the places used in that series. It’s far enough north that the speed limit on Interstate 95 is 75 mph!

Mills have closed but there is one left in East Millinocket – people either work in the mill, the schools or tourism industry. It’s a very laid back kind of place, not much pretense. In some ways it reminds me of our own county but the scenery is more like the Adirondacks. It abounds in lakes and rivers, everything looks very pristine, wonder if it will be in 100 years. They are working hard to keep it that way.

Yesterday, friends took me on the Golden Road. I was fortunate to have a local science teacher for a guide. The scenic side roads are not well marked if it all. Many of the dirt roads resemble paths. Some say it is called the Golden Road because it could have been paved in gold as they figure it cost a million dollars a mile to build it. It’s sort of like Route 66 in the days of olde – you have to drive it at least once in your lifetime. It was built by the paper companies for logging the Northern woods and is still used primarily by logging trucks.

We didn’t ride the whole road – just about the first 30 miles which are paved – not far after that it becomes a rutted dirt road – the closer you get to the other end in Greenville, the worse it gets, I’m told. They figure it takes two and a half hours to travel the whole distance. Logging trucks have the right of way – and they take it – so you best get out of their way! Three of them passed us with three trailers each – barreling down is a good way to put it!

Our reason for going this road was to look for moose. We did spot one but he was so far away that he almost looked like a dirt spot on my camera lens. The scenery was every bit as beautiful as the Rockies. The big mountain and range is the Katahden. When I was about ten or 11, my pastor on Long Island came up to climb it, so it has a little special meaning for me. It is also the beginning (or end) of the Appalachin Trail – which I did walk some on – also climbed over rocks to get to the rapids – no small feat for a gal with a knee replacement. If anyone sees Doc Saini this week, please let him know this old gal, still gots it!

After we drove over the dam it was time for some more pictures. The dam was originally used to sluice (an artificial channel for conducting water) logs down the river. They would float them to the dam area and then there was one section that had cement-like slalum runs and the logs would go down the shoots. They don’t do that anymore, but it is a beautiful spot.

Most of the people that use the Golden Road are hikers, fishermen or kayakers. Photographers find a gold mine here along the Golden Road. It’s a rugged place to be but well worth the time – it is off the beaten track.

There are a few motels in Millinocket and one lodge along the road, but most of the road is dotted with primitive camp spots – it’s carry in and carry out. Leave no impact – that means stay on the trails. It’s also used in the winter for snowmobilers. Fill your car with gas and set out on an adventure – the Golden Road follows the border of Baxter State Park – check it out on the Internet.

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I received this note from Supervisor Greenleaf regarding the new water district. It seems people are getting official looking letters telling them to get optional coverage on their water lines. This is basically a scam. The lines from the curb stop to their homes are new 200PSI rated buried 4-5 ft. in the ground, there is no need to worry about these lines for a long time, if ever.

Also after a prolonged period of time we have all the areas cleared to hookup that are in district # 3 . The delay was caused by someone pulling water off the hydrants thus we couldn’t get a good water test four times in a row. Please remind people to turn in anyone they see taking water from the hydrants as they are stealing from all in water Districts 2 and 3 creating extra costs. We are still working on another district to formulate.

They will also have a Clothing Give-Away Friday, Aug. 17. This will be a one day only event this year with two sessions: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Clothing from infant through adults sizes will be available. The church is located at 7721 State Route 104.

Senior Meal Program meets this week at the Senior Center (library). Call Rosemary at 564-5471, to make your reservation.

This is the last week for the Summer Reading Program at the Hannibal Library, ending Aug. 16. Hope they’ve met their goal of 3,000 books read so Jim Morabito and the IGA can give them a picnic – time is counting down – make that last push and hit that goal!

Tuesday and Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. is crafts, reading and activities, and Wednesday is the tennis program, (10 to 11 a.m. as well;). All activities are at the library.

By the way, I’m e-mailing this column from the Library in Lincoln, Maine where we came to do a little shopping – about 30 miles south. They have four computers and space for four people to sit with their laptops. I had no problem connecting. While on your vacation, check out the local library and bring back ideas for ours. Learning is a good thing!

The Elderberrries will meet at Dick and Judy Tyler’s for a pool party on Tuesday. Dinner at 6 p.m., with swimming at 5 p.m. Attendees are asked to please wear bathing suits. Also bring a comfortable chair and dish to pass- the Tyler’s are supplying hot dogs and s’mores!

Thursday at 11:30 a.m., the Methodist Church holds a chilli-soup lunch. This is available for free to any and all who would like to come to the church on Church St., 1 block west of the Village Square. Take-outs are available. Good food, good fellowship at comfortable temperatures.

Please help the food pantry at the Hannibal Resource Center, across from the High School in Hannibal, if you can. Please drop off items at the center or one of the Village churches on Sunday morning. Remember with school closed for the summer, many families have extra meals to prepare, and their belts are tightening!

Granby Center United Methodist Church will have a NU-2U and Bake Sale Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Think School Shopping!

Hannibal Home and School, INC. will be hosting the Kindergarten Ice Cream Social Aug. 29. Invitations will be sent home in the mail with more information. Email hannibalhands@gmail.com or call Marian 564-5872 or Tina at 678-2167 to RSVP or with any questions.

HandS will have their first meeting of the school year on Tuesday Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. Mark your calender! Send a request to join the Home and School Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/136441679737511/ and keep up to date on what is happening in the Hannibal school District.

Hannibal’s Vacation Bible School will be held this year at Our Lady of the Rosary Church on Cayuga Street. It will begin Monday, Aug. 20 and run through Thursday, Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Registration will start at 8 a.m. on Monday. All children from pre-school to sixth grade are welcome to join in the fun as they explore Sonrise National Park.

On all four days breakfast and lunch will be served. Children from one to 18 years are welcome to participate in the meals which will be offered at the church at 8:30 a.m. and noon.

Would you like to honor or keep the memory alive of someone special to you in Hannibal? Buy a brick for the park with their name on it. Call Peg Shepard at 564-6998.

Please let me know what’s happening in your group, club, church etc. so that I can keep the rest of Hannibal informed.